Abstract: A variable resistance exercise device is used by swimmers to hold them in place while swimming and to give the swimmer progressive resistance during the swim. The device is also usable on land and has a housing with an upper pulley and a lower pulley as well as an upper roller and a lower roller. A tension cord is attached to a shaft, the working length of the cord being changeable, and passes over the upper roller and the lower pulley while a rope is attached to the cord and passes over the upper pulley and has an attachment hook on its end for attaching to a swimmer or an exercise accessory. The attachment hook can also be attached to a lower rope that passes over the lower roller and has a hook on its end.